Imagine yourself in the middle of a wonderful pinwood forest where nothing can bother you and enjoying the comfort of a modern villa and wonderful views offered by the natural surroundings and an intriguing view over the dunes of the beach near Riga. We came across this modern home designed by GMP Architekten between 2005-2006.
Positioned in Jurmala, a city about 25 kilometers west of Riga, Latvia, Guna Villa occupies a surface of 6,835 square feet and it’s structured on three levels providing all the facilities and comfort someone need. The villa opens up towards the south as a U-shaped structural body and impresses due to its modern minimalist design and spatial atmosphere. With a luminous white facade that creates the greatest possible contrast to the dark trunks of the thick, evergreen pinewood forest and the blue of the everchanging sky over the Baltic Sea, Guna Villa is visually very well integrated in its environment and inspires an inviting feel. The upper floor of the residence offers great sleeping quarters, including bathrooms and dressing rooms. The living spaces can be found in the eastern part of the house. A multi flight ramp which connects various levels of the house is a characteristic feature of this building. Adjoining rooms, such as the house’s library, are open to this middle space, providing views. The kitchen for example displays a modern grey scheme furniture with a minimalist design which also is quite practical.
The bright interiors, the modern furniture or the wall to ceiling windows which offer great views of the outside world are things that make of Guna Villa a warm and welcoming place. My favourite place remains the work room which is a lovely open-space room with lot of space and light. Besides all these things, perhaps the attraction of this construction is represented by a platform built in the north – west corner of the house which rises up 15 meters above the forest floor. It is like an observation tower where you can meditate and admire the beauties of nature. Enjoy the photos and tell us your opinions.
Photographer: © Heiner Leiska
Project Details:
Client: Guna Eglite
Design: Meinhard von Gerkan
Team: Hinrich Müller
Construction firm: Vincents, Riga
Construction period: 2005-2006
Gross floor area: 635 m²